Cancer Survivor, Researchers Discuss Best Way to Communicate about Cancer

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published September 10, 2008 at 9:30 AM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

How do we talk about serious diseases like cancer? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to a cancer survivor and a professor who studies how families, patients, and doctors talk to each about cancer and dise

Originally aired on March 26, 2008.

Maureen Cavanaugh (Guest Host): A diagnosis of cancer is not the death sentence it used to be. But it is still a frightening experience for most patients. And despite major advances in cancer care, it remains the second leading cause of death in the U.S.

Become a KPBS sponsor

Chances are, you know someone who has, or has had, cancer. But for many people, talking about cancer with loved ones, with friends and even with doctors can be a difficult, painful process. Is there a right way and a wrong way to talk about cancer? And how does the way we communicate about it help us deal with the illness?

Guests

Wayne Beach , professor of communication at San Diego State University and a researcher at the Moores Cancer Center at UCSD.

David Dozier , 20-year cancer survivor and journalism professor at San Diego State University. He also studies communication at the Moores Cancer Center.